Suncoast Hillels gala to feature Israeli photographer

Underwater photographer Amos Nachoum and his photo, “A Sardine’s Last Daylight.” Captured off the California coast, the shot shows a striped marlin opening its bill to swallow the sardine.Known for his underwater photography, he is the recipient of numerous photography awards and acknowledgements for his groundbreaking work in free diving with polar bears, great white sharks and orcas in the open ocean.

His interest in conservation brings attention to the most fragile regions of the underwater realm, with preservation of the environment foremost in his mind.

Nachoum also has a fascination with other big animals, training his camera on the likes of gorillas and rare tigers. A sampling of his work can be seen at www.amosphotography.com. His work generates attention for endangered species to aid in their preservation and to provoke public awareness.

Above all else, Nachoum loves people as much as he does wildlife. His concern for both inspired him to co-found Israel’s Marine National Park on the Red Sea.

A world-renowned Israeli wildlife photographer who has literally gone to the ends of the earth to get a prized shot will be the featured guest speaker at the Hillels of the Florida Suncoast first-ever gala fund-raiser. The Saturday evening, Nov. 10, event, Bubbles & Bubbly, at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa will benefit Suncoast Hillels’ Scubi Jew™ and Tikkun HaYam™ programs. The gala begins at 6:30 p.m. with a VIP cocktail reception for sponsors, followed by the main event at 7:30 p.m. The Florida Aquarium’s 500,000-gallon coral reef exhibit is the perfect backdrop for guest speaker Amos Nachoum, an acclaimed wildlife photographer, explorer and conservationist. Complementing his photography, Nachoum has more than 35 years’ experience as a wildlife adventure guide, and 18 years’ experience diving in Antarctica.

“Humpback Mother and Calf” - Humpback whales migrate 4,500 miles from the cold rich water of Antarctica to the warm clear water of Tong every year from July through October to give birth, nurse and mate. They then make the long trip back to feed. In July, these large 45 feet long whales give birth to only one calf. They take care of their calves very tenderly and protective just like we do our young ones.
Photo by Amos Nachoum He has led National Geographic expedition teams with dignitaries such as Dr. Eugenie Clark, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Those expeditions and his work have been featured on the National Geographic and Discovery channels as well as the BBC.

Nachoum began his life as a survivor against insurmountable odds when he survived a near-drowning as a child. He also served as a commando for the Israeli Special Forces unit. Eventually, he transitioned to war photography.

His dedication and total immersion into his work has helped him create an exceptional photography collection that is globally recognized by prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Time, and Life. His awards include Best in Photography with Communication Arts, BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and Nature’s Best. His photos and essays have appeared in more than 500 publications in North America, Europe, and Japan. His work has also been included in The Living Ocean, Oceans, and The World of Nature.

Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, Suncoast Hillels executive director, said he felt it was important to choose Nachoum, an impactful person to the marine conservation initiative, for the organization’s first fund raising event. “Amos’ work in the marine environment is absolutely incredible. He is passionate about protecting life underwater and I know our guests will really enjoy hearing about his amazing adventures. I can think of no one better to help us kick off the gala than Amos,” he said.

Along with Nachoum’s presentation, guests at the gala will enjoy an open wine and beer bar, appetizer and dessert buffets. The main event will begin with Havdalah and will include Calypso music, and a live auction, which will feature a signed original 24 x 36 digital print on aluminum from Nachoum’s gallery.

Gala for a cause

Scubi Jew and Tikkun HaYam, which will benefit from funds raised at the gala, are initiatives created by Hillels of the Florida Suncoast. The two programs raise awareness in the Jewish community of the many threats facing the marine environment, as well as showcasing the innumerable wonders of the sea. The Scubi Jew and Tikkun HaYam programs explore the marine environment through Jewish eyes. Their work is helping to improve the ocean locally and around the world. Through coral restoration, marine debris removal, conservation education, shark and manatee awareness, the efforts of Suncoast Hillels’ students are having real and lasting effects on the marine environment.

Rabbi Rosenthal, who has worked diligently to put these programs into place said, “I’m excited about Scubi Jew/Tikkun HaYam because it’s one of the most innovative programs in the Jewish environmental sphere at the moment and the only Jewish initiative focusing on the marine environment. For those of us living in Florida, where we are surrounded by water, our concern for the marine environment as Jews is clear. The mission of this program is to raise awareness in the Jewish community and to get Jews involved.”

Admission for the main event is $125 per person. Patron sponsor admission is $360 per person and includes the VIP cocktail reception. Go to www.suncoasthillels.org/bubbles-and-bubbly, or contact Suncoast Hillels directly for reservations. RSVPs are requested no later than Oct. 26. Several one-of-a-kind corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities are also available; details about sponsorships and benefits can be found at www.suncoasthillels.org/bubbles-and-bubbly-sponsorship.

Hillels of the Florida Suncoast supports Jewish life on five college campuses along the west coast of Florida, including the University of South Florida (Tampa and St. Petersburg), the University of Tampa, Eckerd College and Florida Southern College. Hillels of the Florida Suncoast is a beneficiary agency of the Tampa Jewish Federation, Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties and Florida Statewide Federations.

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